Citrine Stone (Sunela Stone)

Citrine is the yellow-to-golden variety of macrocrystalline quartz (silicon dioxide, SiO₂):

• Gemological Color Origin: The warm golden hue in natural citrine is caused by submicroscopic hydrous iron (Fe³⁺) oxide particles and trapped charge-transfer color centers dispersed within the quartz crystal lattice during natural geological growth.
• Natural Hue Spectrum: Genuine Earth-mined citrine typically exhibits soft, uniform pastel yellow, lemon, champagne, or warm honey-golden shades with gentle pleochroism, rather than the aggressive burnt reddish-orange typical of artificially heated stones.
• Brazilian Provenance: Our current inventory originates from Brazil (celebrated globally for premier crystalline quartz deposits), expertly faceted in Octagon Step, Oval, and Drop cuts. Learn more about market grading in our Citrine (Sunela) Buying Guide.

Understanding the gemological distinction between natural and heated quartz is essential for buyers:

• Heat-Treated Amethyst (“Commercial Citrine”): The vast majority of mass-market “citrine” is produced by baking low-grade purple amethyst to approximately 450°C–500°C. Gemologically, heated amethyst characteristically displays concentrated burnt brownish-red tips with contrasting opaque white quartz bases, and lacks the natural dichroism of true Earth-heated citrine.
• Natural Earth-Mined Citrine: Natural citrine formed under geological hydrothermal temperatures displays uniform honey-to-golden transparency throughout the crystal, subtle dichroism (yellow to greenish-yellow), and natural growth lines.
• Transparency Guarantee: Ratna Gems guarantees 100% natural, Earth-mined Brazilian quartz, accompanied by an independent gemological testing report confirming natural variety.

Every Citrine (Sunela) stone sold by Ratna Gems is individually tested and accompanied by an independent accredited gemological laboratory testing report. The certificate identifies the mineral species as Natural Quartz, gemstone variety as Natural Citrine, exact carat and ratti weight, dimensions, specific gravity (2.65–2.66), refractive index (1.544–1.553), hardness (7.0 on Mohs scale), and confirms untreated natural status. Each report includes a unique certificate number and verifiable QR code for direct verification on the issuing laboratory’s official portal.

Optional International Certification: Every gemstone includes an independent accredited laboratory certificate at no charge. If you specifically require an additional report from GII, IIGJ, or IGI, you can select it directly from the certification dropdown on any product page upon request (official laboratory testing fees apply in advance on a non-refundable basis).

With a Mohs hardness of 7.0 and no directional cleavage plane, Citrine is a durable gemstone well suited for daily rings, pendants, and bracelets:

• Scratch Resistance: Rated 7 on the Mohs scale, Citrine naturally resists scratching from ambient atmospheric quartz dust, retaining its bright vitreous luster through years of regular wear.
• Cleaning: Clean safely with lukewarm water, mild soap, and a soft microfiber cloth or camel-hair brush.
• Heat & Light Precautions: Avoid exposing citrine to extreme sudden thermal shock or intense concentrated heat, which can alter quartz color centers. Ultrasonic cleaners should be used with caution, and steam cleaners must be avoided.

For customers observing classical Indian customs, traditional literature outlines the following customary conventions:

• Customary Metals: Yellow Gold, Panchdhatu, or Ashta Dhatu alloys are traditionally considered the ideal setting for Citrine.
• Traditional Placement: Customarily worn on the index finger (Tarjani) of the working hand.
• Traditional Timing: Customary traditions often observe Thursday mornings during Shukla Paksha (waxing moon) at sunrise.
• Traditional Role (Upratna): Historically recognized in Vedic gemological texts as the primary classical substitute (Upratna) for Yellow Sapphire (Pukhraj), associated with Jupiter (Brihaspati / Guru).

Please Note: Ratna Gems shares these details solely for cultural and informational awareness for customers seeking traditional jewelry. We sell all gemstones strictly on the basis of verified physical authenticity, mineral quality, and certified origin, and make no astrological, metaphysical, or medical claims.